Pre-Construction Manager

Coldbox specializes in the Plan. Design. Build. of environmentally controlled manufacturing and logistics facilities for the global food and pharmaceutical industries. Our engineering and construction teams work as a single source to create practical construction solutions that meet regulatory requirements, maximize energy and production efficiencies, and deliver on clients’ expectations.

We are currently seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to join our rapidly growing company in Burlington, Ontario.

KEY PURPOSE

The Pre-Construction Manager is responsible for the Management / Execution and Co-ordination of pre-construction activities in respect of financial; design, procurement & risk management on multiple projects across all delivery methods as instructed by the VP of Pre-Construction. Work in conjunction with the Estimator, Design Manager, and Project Manager. They are tasked with ensuring a successful transition from preconstruction to operations. This individual’s attention to detail and accuracy is critical to the profitability and success of the business and its ability to win bids, maximize value for our clients, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

STANDARDS

• This is a full-time on-site position in our Burlington, Ontario office.
• Responsible for preparing Budgets & Estimates for Design-Build and for CM projects. This will include all ‘soft’ budget elements including commentary, assumptions lists, presentation materials etc., as required.
• Lead CM and Design-Build pursuits including reviewing RFP documents, assisting in proposal documents, preparing presentation material, presenting to potential clients, managing the design team, and negotiating contracts.
• Management of design / design team deliverables & compliance during pre-construction of Design Build & Construction Management projects directly involved with in respect to budget and constructability.
• Collaborate with the design team and challenge design assumptions where necessary in the best interests of the project and the client.
• Deliver projects designs on time and within budget.
• Well-coordinated/completed design packages and full coordinated engineering review of the design deliverables.
• In conjunction with the project Estimator, coordinate the preparation of full-cost estimates on conceptual, Design-Build and Construction Management work.
• Active participation in subcontract procurement on all successful projects in conjunction with the project Estimator and the Project Manager, including assisting in the preparation of contract documents for subcontracts.
• Reporting the financial progress of the subcontract procurement process for all projects on a monthly basis to the VP of Pre-Construction in line with Operations department forecasting schedule.
• Preparing and maintaining a log of all subcontractor performance feedback from the operations team.
• Development and management of risk mitigation & opportunity maximization strategies on all secured projects / selected tenders and communication to the operations team and the client to enable them to effectively manage beyond the completion of subcontract procurement. Periodic monitoring / reporting of the project’s success in respect of risks & opportunities during construction.
• Provide technical assistance in negotiating contracts, change orders, etc., as required.
• Assist the estimating team in maintaining our supply chain database.
• Establish and maintain effective and collaborative relationships with the subcontractor & supplier communities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with consultants / designers / clients and their representatives.
• Conduct review meetings with clients.
• Support the estimating team as required, which may include preparing estimates for other disciplines.
• Work with municipalities to manage SPA, Development Permits, Building Permits, Variances, and any approval as required for project.
• Coordinate with utility authorities as required.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned as necessary.

• Training of selected staff in how to identify & plan for risk and opportunity.
• Training of Project Managers & Project Coordinators in Subcontract procurement / Buy Out strategies and procurement negotiation skills.

• Lead CM and Design-Build pursuits including reviewing RFP documents, assisting in proposal documents, preparing presentation material, presenting to potential clients, managing the design team, and negotiating contracts.
• Development of securement strategies on selected pursuits.
• Assist with writing proposals tailored to appeal to the prospect, using the format developed by the Coldbox marketing and communications team.
• Participate in presentations to management and clients. May be responsible for “closing the sale.”
• Promote the mission and values of the organization both internally and externally, as well as oversee adherence to the Coldbox values and mission.
• Attend and Participate in Interviews with Client Teams for projects / opportunities that we are pursuing.
• Provide advice on proposal procedures.

• Ensure all duties performed meet occupational health and safety regulations and comply with the Coldbox Construction Safety Manual.

• The Ideal candidate will possess the following:
• A min of 5 years of experience in the role of Preconstruction Manager, Construction Estimator within a General Contracting (GC) and/or Design-Build GC firm having been the sole or lead Estimator with a clear track record of successfully won projects.
• Working knowledge of Site Development, Building Envelope and M&E Systems for ICI facilities.
• Proficiency in the use of estimating software such as PlanSwift, ProCore, as well as Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to breakdown a project to elemental scopes of work with both complete sets of project documentation as well as from preliminary conceptual designs. Ability to provide confident and personable service to clients and subcontractors.
• Ability to manage design-build RFP process, including management of consultants.
• Ability to work on multiple estimates of varying size and complexity at the same time.
• Ability to estimate high level budgets as well as detailed line-item estimates.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Project Managers and Site Superintendents to verify scope capture and project plan of the estimate.
• Ability to effectively communicate with engineers and architects to ensure all scopes of work are considered.
• Has successfully estimated completed projects ranging in cost from $250,000 to $100 million.
• Depth of experience with ICI type facilities ground up including site development.
• Cold storage and food processing experience is an asset.
• Simultaneous management of multiple estimates of varying size and complexity.
• Able to estimate high-level budgets as well as detailed line-item estimates.
• Able to instigate action from Sub-Trades and Vendors/Suppliers.
• Highly competent and effective negotiator.
• Proven track record for successful project procurement to ensure follow through of original project cost plan.
• Possesses effective writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to successfully maintain and nurture client and vendor relationships.
• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management.
• Previous experience supporting projects using Construction Management, Cost Plus, Stipulated Sum, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• PQS / CEC designation, or working towards it, is considered an asset.
• Gold Seal Certification is desirable, but not required.

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in construction/engineering or an appropriate field.
• Five or more years of experience in Pre-construction / estimating, as well project management experience is an asset.
• Able to read and interpret building specifications, blueprints and as-builds.
• Mathematical and analytical skills necessary for development of construction costs / detailed budgets.
• Able to use cost-estimating software to understand cost quotes and bids.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Adobe.
• Effective verbal communication and listening skills.
• Ability to effectively manage stress & Good time-management skills.
• Proactive in ensuring job knowledge is current.
• Respect for diversity; treat others with respect.
• Able to readily determine the correct tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Good client service and public interaction skills.
• Able to work in a team environment with a minimum of supervision.
• Collaborative in dealing with customers and fellow employees.
• Customer-focused; respond promptly to customer needs.
• Good understanding of current market conditions and competitors within our marketplace.
• Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers & adapt to changing circumstances.

• Will attend and conduct presentations.
• Some travelling may be required.

• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computer and peripherals.

• No Direct Reports